GOOD IDEA to start a thread about this very common experience; and, you are so right about it being a totally different mindset the second, or third, or gosh knows how many times around. Ya, and it can feel like a battle; a war even, at times. There were some great ideas from the posters in your last thread about this topic too ...
You know, that is exactly how I found this site in the first place. I had lost a goodly amount of weight; and after one particularly off Christmas, I was having trouble getting back on track. I had appeared to regain 12 lbs even though I was still working towards my goal (of course, some of that was actually water weight), but I was very discouraged by that just the same.
Btw, I had regained lost weight (with some friends) many times before this. I recall vividly how I felt each time I regained the weight before; especially the embarrassment & having to buy larger size clothes.
I was so disappointed in myself becuz I wanted to make this a permanent thing this time, but I found that it was so easy to slip up. I now call this one of my BLIPS along the way.
Yes, I knew about the mistakes; and that I had to keep going, but the unexpected regain surprised me -- it threw me for a loop. The stalls and plateaus were bothing me too. It was harder to lose weight at this point in my life becuz of some physical challenges that I didn't have when I was younger. So, I had to find answers to all of these issues too; plus for the emotional-response eating which was a biggie for me as well.
So what have I learned through all of this so far? I may have been discouraged & disappointed, but I was not defeated ...
1 -- Don't give up, no matter what: Quitting is not an option
2 -- decide to re-commit (each day, if needs be)
3 -- keep diggin'; keep tryin'; keep fightin'; keep going
4 -- take small steps back: one-day-at-a-time
5 -- make adjustments: tweak, tweak, tweak
6 -- plan to stay on plan: no excuses
7 -- focus on the positive: all the successes
8 -- find new strategies & solutions
9 -- understand the process: the ups & downs & flats
10 -- determination + persistence + perseverance wins the prize!
Oh btw, I lost that 12 lbs and continued on down to where I am now. I still have a ways to go to reach where I want to be ... and, I now realize that this must be a continuous process; it's not a band-aide solution, but a life-long journey for permanent good health.